Deck and lift structure for scaffolding and the like



Dec. 7, 1965 A. M. BRAYTON 3,221,838

DECK AND LIFT STRUCTURE FOR SGAFFOLDING AND THE LIKE Filed NOV. 8, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. s 3

BY /%r04 /7&AWM

Dec. 7, 1965 A. M. BRAYTON 3,221,838

DECKIAND L'IFT STRUCTURE FOR SCAFFOLDING AND THE LIKE Filed Nov. 8, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ram/7564 ym/v BY W W) 7 4 firrwave V5 United States Patent 3,221,838 DECK AND LIFT STRUCTURE FOR SCAFFOLDING AND THE LlKE Alton M. Brayton, 341 N. Homer, Lansing, Mich. Filed Nov. 8, 1962, Ser. No. 236,274 7 Claims. (Cl. l82141) The present invention relates to a lift structure and more particularly to a lift structure for raising a platform or work deck which is hoisted stagewise and which carries its power element with it as the lifting is accomplished. Still more particularly the present invention provides a means and procedure for accomplishing the hoisting of a deck or staging in such a manner that intermediate vertical rigid supports are insertable without interference with the decking while scaffolding, for example, is being raised. The principal utility of the invention is in the elevating of scaffolding as building progresses so as to eliminate a substantial amount of manual labor formerly required to remove the decking, to remove working materials from the decking, to insert a rigid support Spanning a distance equal to the length of the support and then to replace the decking and materials. Collaterally, the present invention, unlike structures in the prior art, makes possible incremental adjustment of scaffold or deck height and allows for variant heights as between adjacent scaffold bays. In addition the lift structure of the present invention provides no interference between decking and working face. The lift mechanism of the present invention also permits the use of light-weight hollow core metal decking in modular sectional lengths which permits the deck of the scaffold to be heated. This materially extends seasonal scaffolding operation in areas having violent winters and where scaffolding could not formerly be used. The use of such a type of decking also allows the simple inclusion of work shelter so as to shelter men working on the decking from heavy inclement weather.

The devices of the prior art, insofar as lift structures are concerned as applied to scaffolding, work platforms, and the like, has shown a wide variety of lifting means. In some instances hoists are lowered from adjacent building structures. In other instances elevator and hoist devices are provided which mount on the decking so as to raise and lower platforms from the scaffolding. These merely accentuate the problem solved by the present invention since if the scaffolding requires raising in elevation then even the hoists must be moved to allow the scaffold or support members to be assembled and then the hoists must be relocated on the new upper level of the scaffold. Still other hoist devices have suggested a telescoping structure which collapses on its own base. While this type of structure is useful for a single bay or platform it has very little utility where plural adjacent bays of scaffolding, for example, must ring the perimeter walls of a construction project, for example, and rise with the progress of external masonry, decoration, or curtain wall construction.

The present invention is accordingly intended to utilize knock-down scaffolding and hence to provide means for elevating the scaffolding without disturbance of the decking and to provide means for selectively adjusting the decking elevation intermediate the height of upright members forming the scaffolding support elements. Another object is to provide a labor saving device for elevating decking. Still another object is to provide a simple lift mechanism adaptable to a wide variety of types of steel knock-down scaffolding and supports. Another object is to provide an elevation changing structure amenable to use in plural bays of adjacent scaffolding which does not interfere with the working face. Still another object is to teach the use of an expandable hollow core decking which provides substantial increase in safety and allows the use of heat at the work face and admits of a weather enclosure. Another object is to teach a process for the elevation of scaffolding. Another object is to provide decking which is hinged at the cross support and expandable to bridge variations in span. Other objects including simplicity, safety features, and economy of installation and service will be increasingly apparent as the description proceeds.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION In general the device of the present invention comprises a power element capable of imparting a lineal stroke extending for a length in excess of the height of upright or vertical support members in a scaffold support structure. This power element is secured to the upright support member in such a manner that the stroke parallels the vertical upright. The power element is then connected to a deck or platform so that upon elongation of the power element through its stroke the platform is elevated as desired. When the platform is raised an interval distance in excess of the length of the upright and above the first upright, then a new vertical upright is insertable between the deck and first upright. The stroke is then retracted and the decking rests upon the new rigid support by reason of the added upright. Then the power element is disconnected from the first upright and the power element fully retracts its stroke thereby lifting itself upward to attachment with the newly inserted upright. Once attached to the new upright the power element can selectively accomplish continued elevation of the deck.

This arrangement allows substantial modification of traditional scaffold decking. The decking of the present invention is never disassembled until the scaffolding itself is dismantled. Accordingly light weight metal decking having channelling therethrough is made practical and this makes possible the circulation of a heat medium therethrough. By uniformity and structural design the hollow core decking increases the safety factor in the deck. Accordingly canopies or Windshields and even semi-permanent guard rails may be placed on the work deck. When heat is used, construction work can extend beyond the usual seasonal shut-downs. Most important of all, the elevation of the decking can proceed without dismantling the decking and without removal of men and materials. The decking also overhangs the power elements so that the deck is maintained in a substantially close relation with the working faces. Plural of these power elements working individually or in coordinated control fashion are positionable in plural scaffolding bays wherein the standard scaffold members provide the ultimate rigid perimeter support. Safety elements are readily provided against failure of the power or stroke imparting elements. As will be appreciated the structural uprights may be stocked and carried by the decking for use as the scaffold extends upward so that a supply of upright supports are readily available at the point of ultimate use.

When it is desired to dismantle the scaffolding the procedures are reversed and the deck is slightly elevated so that the upper rigid support vertical can be removed. Then the decking is lowered to the upright to which the power element is secured. The power element is disconnected or unlocked from the upright directly beneath the deck, and is then dropped by extension of its stroke to the next lower upright. It is again coupled and then lifts the deck free of the upright immediately beneath the deck so that the then uppermost upright scaffold element may be removed. The deck is then lowered and the procedure is repeated to complete disassembly. In the disassembly the uprights may be racked or placed on the platform or deck as it is lowered.

The result of the present invention is a material extension of the utility of existing scaffolding and the provision of simple procedures for raising and lowering of scaffolding without disturbance of the deck.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a bay of scaffolding with the lift structure and decking of the present invention secured to the uprights and with the stroke imparting members partially extended. Outboard decking elements have been removed to reveal deck connection.

FIGURE 2 is a front elevation view of the structure shown in FIGURE 1 and indicating integration with adjacent deck sections.

FIGURE 3 is an end elevation view of the structure shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 and indicating the hollow channel form of the decking and indicating optional guard rail or canopy extensions supported on the deck and shows the outboard decking elements in position extending to cover the lift mechanism and connection.

FIGURE 4 is a somewhat schematic full cross section elevation view taken through one of the stroke imparting power elements and indicating the reversibility of the power element.

FIGURE 5 is an end elevation view showing the power element connected to the lowermost upright member and prepared to accomplish an elevating stroke which will raise the deck element.

FIGURE 6 is an end elevation view and illustrates the deck elevated to the full extent of the stroke in excess of the length of the intermediate upright nestably secured to the first upright shown in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 is an end elevation view as in FIGURES 5 and 6 indicating that the stroke imparting member has lowered the deck support into the newly positioned upright and by disconnect from the lowermost upright has lifted itself to connection with the newly placed upright. In phantom line the extension of the deck support is shown for the addition of a new vertical section.

FIGURE 8 is a top plan view of a power and stroke imparting element secured to an upright member and indicating the simplicity of safety dogging.

FIGURE 9 is a front elevation View of the structure shown in FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a side elevation view of the structure shown in FIGURES 8 and 9 and indicating connection to the upright member.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION By reference to the drawings and with particular reference to FIGURE 1, the lift structure of the present invention is clearly seen in the setting of a bay of scaffolding 11. The bay 11 has been raised through a first stage 12 and a second stage 13, each stage supported by upright elements 14, 14a and 15, 15a. The upright elements 14, 14a and 15, 15a are characteristic of existing scaffolding support elements and are ladder-like in form. The uprights 14, 14a and 15, 15a are held in trussed spaced apart relation by the cross braces 16. As will be appreciated the uprights 14, 14a and 15, 15a are stacked one on top of the next lowermost by means of male and female mating vertical connectors. A male connector 17 is shown extending upward prepared to receive a mating socket. It will be appreciated that these connections may be reversed or modified in accord with the type of scaffolding used. While the uprights shown are round in cross section, it will be appreciated that other cross sections are equally useful and the form of the uprights and bracing will vary between makes of scaffolding. Outboard of each vertical upright element 14, 14a and 15, 15a are connecting lugs 18. The connecting lugs 18 provide mounting means for stroke imparting power elements 19. The power elements 19 are illustrated as hydraulic cylinders and are reversible or double acting. The pistons 20 are extendable therefrom in a line parallel to and offset from the axis of each vertical member in the uprights as extended by stacking upright 15 on upright 14 and upright 15a on upright 14a. This alignment is accomplished by the lugs 18. The pistons 20 are secured to deck support members 21 so that as the pistons 20 are extended the deck 22 (shown with the outermost decking removed therefrom to reveal the piston connection) is raised. The deck 22 is thus seen to be in a plane transverse to the thrust of the stroke imparting element 19. Socket elements 23 depend from the deck support members 21 in mating register with the male connectors 17. The decking 22 is made up of a plurality of hollow core bridging elements 24 and 25. The hollow core elements 24 and 25 are slidable one within the next to provide expansion where desired for variant span of bays and the expansion joint 26 thus serves to allow for. deck extension. Where the decking 22 rests upon the deck support members 21, a pivotal connection is accomplished so that differential elevations can be accomplished as between one end and the other end of decking 22 in a particular bay. Pedestals 27 provide support feet for each vertical element in contact with the ground to provide clearance for the stroke imparting elements 19 and to provide a sturdy and steady base for the entire scaffold as it is built up. The power and stroke imparting elements 19 are shown in a preferred embodiment as power cylinders but it will be appreciated that mechanical electrical or even manually operable stroke imparting elements may be used without a departure from the spirit of the present invention. Likewise the form of decking may be modified and the illustrated deck is understood to comprise a preferred and inventive form of platform support. The pedestals 27 may be integrated or removable from the feet of the vertical elements.

By reference to FIGURE 2, the securing of decking 22 to extend to adjacent bays of scaffolding is understood inasmuch as adjacent decking sections 28 and 29 extend into the decking elements 24 and 25 in the area of the deck supports 21 and are pivotally connected thereto to obtain vertical support therefrom and to continue internal communication for conduction of heating media as hot air, steam, or the like. Boots or seals, well known in the art, are provided at the joints and are not shown.

In FIGURE 3 the decking 22 is better understood as being hollow core in style and extends outward to actually cover the connection as between pistons 20 and deck support 21. The sockets 23 are better shown in their mating registry position and stanchions 30 are shown secured to the deck 22 by deck plates 31 to provide canopy enclosure of the working area of the deck as dictated by weather conditions and the like. The work face is represented by line 32 against which the decking 22 is positioned. As is now practiced in the scaffolding art it will be understood that the scaffolding may be tied to the work face as required by local safety regulations at selected intervals. In FIGURE 2 it is also better appreciated that connection of the stroke imparting element to the uprights 14 and 15 is accomplished by the mating lock lugs 34 which extend to registering engagement with the lugs 18 and are selectively and lockably connected thereto as by means of pins 33 to align the stroke of pistons 20. It will be appreciated that other forms of connection as between uprights 14, 15 and stroke imparting member 19 may be used and the lock accomplished as between lugs 18, lock lugs 34 and pins 33 are illustrative of only one operative embodiment.

In FIGURE 4 the character of the preferred embodiment of the stroke imparting member 19 is better revealed to comprise the cylinder 35 and piston 20 located therein and including the deck connector 36 secured on the working end of the piston 20. The cylinder 35 is double acting or reversible and hydraulic connections 37 and 38 are shown. Operation of the cylinder 35 is accomplished from a fluid source, not shown, and by proper manifolding and valving a plurality of such power units 19 may be actuated simultaneously or individually. The fluid source may be manually pumped or mechanically pumped in a well known manner. The controls are not a part of the present invention and the preferred embodiment is selected because of the resulting simplicity of adequate controls and operation. The reversible character of the power element 19, as will be seen, allows the power element to lift and lower decking 22 and subsequently lift and lower itself as desired.

FIGURES 5, 6 and 7 are somewhat schematic end elevation views indicating the sequencing of the present invention in providing means for elevation of scaffolding. In FIGURE 5 the stroke imparting element 19 is shown secured to the vertical upright 14 and connection or interlock is by means of the pins 33. The upright 14 is elevated above ground level L by means of pedestal 2'7 so that the power or stroke imparting element 19 is clear of the ground level L. The piston 20 is substantially fully retracted and is secured to the transverse deck support member 21. The socket 23 is matingly engaged as an extension of the upright 14. From this initial position the piston 20 extends parallel to the vertical line of the upright and carries with it the deck support 21. It may be stopped at any particular point where access to the work is required. In FIGURE 6 full extension of the piston 20 is shown so that the socket 23 is elevated to allow insertion of a new upright. The socket 23 and deck support 21 is then lowered into mating and aligned engagement with the upright 15 providing a rigid support for the decking. Pins 33 are withdrawn thus unlocking the power element 19 from the upright 14 and the piston 20 is then retracted thus causing the elevation of power element 19 upward to connecting lock registry with lugs 18. The pins 33 are then inserted to secure the power and stroke imparting element to the upright 15, as shown in FIGURE 7. The procedures are then repeated until the deck support 21 and socket 23 provide clearance for insertion of an additional vertical upright 39, representing an additional stage of scaffolding (shown in phantom line). Upright support elements 14, 15 and 39 will be appreciated as being substantially identical and interchangeable. Accordingly the procedure may be repeated to substantially any required height dependent upon the strength of the upright members to support the plural stages. The deck 22, supported on the deck supports 21, is never removed and may be used to carry extra vertical sections, truss bracing elements, tools, materials and men. While FIGURES 5, 6 and 7 show only a single vertical element being elevated it will be appreciated that this movement in scaffolding proceeds in pairs acting on each end of the supports 21.

FIGURES 8, 9 and 10 illustrate a simple means of securing safety provisions to the power or thrust imparting element 19. An auxiliary case 40 is secured to the stroke imparting element 19. The case 40 is mounted in parallel attached relation to the stroke imparting element 19 and provides a guide and sheath for the safety plunger 41 which extends from and retracts into the case 40 in accord with movement of the piston 20. The safety plunger 41 is provided with a head 42 which is connectable to the deck support 21 (as represented in FIGURE 5.) The plunger 41 is provided with ratchet teeth 43 which impinge upon pawl elements 44 in the event that stroke imparting element 19 should fail. When the piston 20 is retracting the pawls 44 are pivoted out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 43 thus allowing the plunger 41 to retract into the case 40. Thus the power or stroke imparting element 19 is easily equipped with safety dogs as required in some areas.

In operation, the only requirement to modify existing scaffolding components to the present lift structure is the addition of lugs 18 and a decking support 21 capable of socketing on existing mating elements, either male or female, at the upper ends of the upright elements 14,

14a, and 15, 15a. Once scaffolding is so modified the only manual requirements during elevation or lowering of decking is the insertion or removal of intermediate scaffolding elements as 15 and 39 as in FIGURE 7. This is very advantageous and elevational differences as between bays of scaffolding are possible where, for example, building is progressing faster along one wall or portion of wall than along another. Conversely the leveling of decking is greatly facilitated. Of immeasurable importance, the decking can be maintained at a continuing optimum working elevation relation to the work face progress. This is of particular advantage, for example in brick laying, where stoop and squat is the usual rule in reaching the work face. In prior art scaffolding either the decking is too high or too low or the scaffolding must initially by constructed to suspend a work deck therefrom. The inventive decking available by reason of the described lift structure considerably extends the use of scaffolding and allows for increased safety on the working deck. In weight, the decking as described herein, compares favorably with wood decking and is extendable to accommodate a variety of standard spacing intervals. In cold weather, shelter and heating is available at no great increase in weight and heat is supplied from a central source in avoidance of the use of dangerous salamanders and open fires.

Having thus described my invention in a preferred embodiment thereof, modifications, improvements and variants in design will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications, improvements and variants falling within the skill of the art are intended to be included herein limited only by the scope of the hereinafter appended claims.

I claim:

1. A lift mechanism comprising:

(a) a reversible stroke imparting element;

(b) a housing for said stroke imparting element;

(c) a pair of spaced apart locks secured to said hous- (d) a pair of spaced apart connector elements, the Space between said connectors and said locks being substantially equal;

(e) a plurality of upright elements to which said stroke imparting element is detachably and successively secured at said connector elements extending therefrom, and

(f) a deck acted upon by said stroke imparting element and beneath which one of said upright members is insertable upon each stroke of said stroke imparting element.

2. A lift mechanism comprising:

(a) a reversible lineal stroke imparting element;

(b) a housing for said stroke imparting element providing journaling for said stroke imparting element;

(0) a pair of spaced apart lock elements secured to said housing and aligned parallel to the axis of stroke of said stroke imparting element;

(:1) a pair of spaced apart connector elements, the space between said connectors being substantially in interval register with said locks;

(e) and a plurality of upright members, each stackable one upon the other and from which said connectors extend;

(f) a lift element operably connected to said stroke imparting element and moveable by said stroke imparting element, the movement thereof exceeding the length of each of said upright members; and

(g) a deck element vertically moveable by said lift element and connected thereto and beneath which one of said upright members is insertable upon each upward stroke of said lift element.

3. A scaffold lift mechanism comprising:

(a) pairs of double acting cylinders;

(b) a piston in each of said cylinders;

(c) lock elements extending from each of said cylinders in spaced apart parallel position;

((1) pairs of upright elements, one pair intermediate each of said pairs of cylinders;

(e) connectors extending from each of said upright elements and spaced apart so as to equally engage said lock elements; and

(f) a platform element in a plane transverse to said uprights and operably connected to said pistons of said cylinders and moveable by said piston a vertical distance greater than the length of each of said uprights.

4. A scafiold lift mechanism comprising:

(a) a reversible stroke imparting member;

(b) a housing journalling said stroke imparting memher;

() lock elements extending from said housing in spaced apart relation;

(d) an upright element connectable to said housing in an axis parallel to and offset from said stroke imparting element;

(e) connectors extending from said upright in spaced apart relation and in connectable registery with said lock elements;

(f) a transverse member acted uponby said stroke imparting element; and

(g) a plurality of uprights substantially identical to said first mentioned upright and interlocked vertically with said lowermost of said uprights when said transverse member is elevated a distance above said lowermost of said uprights to accommodate insertion of another said other uprights and thereafter said transverse member rests on the uppermost of said uprights while said stroke imparting member hoists said housing to connection with the uppermost of said uprights.

5. A reversible process for elevating scaffold elements comprising:

(a) employing at least a pair of upright scaffold support elements in spaced apart relation;

(b) connecting a stroke imparting element to each of said scaffold support members wherein said stroke exceeds the vertical height of said scaffold support members;

(c) securing a decking across said pair of support elements and attached to said stroke imparting elements;

(d) elevating said decking by means of said stroke imparting elements to a height in excess of the vertical height of said upright elements;

(e) inserting an additional upright support element between said decking and said first elements;

(f) lowering said decking onto said additional uppright support element;

(g) disconnecting said stroke imparting element from said first uprights and lifting said stroke imparting elements under their own power to connection with said new upright; and

(h) repeating said sequence to selected height in increments as desired.

6. A lift mechanism comprising:

(a) aplatform;

(b) a support for said platform transverse of said platform;

(c) a reversible stroke imparting element secured to said support;

(d) a housing for said stroke imparting element;

(e) a pair of spaced apart locks secured to said hous- (f) a plurality of stackable upright members to each of which said stroke imparting element is selectively connected; and

(g) a pair of spaced apart connector elements extending from said upright members in a vertical interval substantially equal to the space between said locks.

7. A lift mechanism comprising:

(a) a deck element;

(b) a support for said deck transverse and beneath said deck;

(c) a reversible stroke imparting element secured to said support;

(d) a housing for said stroke imparting element;

(e) spaced apart locks secured to said housing;

(f) a plurality of stackable upright members insertable between said deck and the uppermost of said stackable members when said stroke imparting element is extended to each of which said stroke imparting element is selectively connected; and

(g) a pair of spaced apart connector elements extending from said upright members in a vertical interval substantially equal to the space between said locks.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,774,268 8/1930 Harding 182-223 2,114,215 4/1938 Dietle 182-478 2,447,865 8/ 1948 McClintock 182223 2,485,165 10/1949 Pollman 182-223 2,720,694 10/ 1955 Hines 182-187 2,841,961 7/1958 Lucas 182179 2,857,026 10/1958 Jones 189-13 2,906,365 9/1959 Howard 1S2136 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,102,173 5/1955 France.

536,347 5/1941 Great Britain.

HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner.

Examiners. 

1. A LIFT MECHANISM COMPRISING: (A) A REVERSIBLE STROKE IMPARTING ELEMENT; (B) A HOUSING FOR SAID STROKE IMPARTING ELEMENT; (C) A PAIR OF SPACED APART LOCKS SECURED TO SAID HOUSING; (D) A PAIR OF SPACED APART CONNECTOR ELEMENTS, THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID CONNECTORS AND SAID LOCKS BEING SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL; (E) A PLURALITY OF UPRIGHT ELEMENTS TO WHICH SAID STROKE IMPARTING ELEMENT IS DETACHABLY AND SUCCESSIVELY SECURED AT SAID CONNECTOR ELEMENTS EXTENDING THEREFROM, AND (F) A DECK ACTED UPON BY SAID STROKE IMPARTING ELEMENT AND BENEATH WHICH ONE OF SAID UPRIGHT MEMBERS IS INSERTABLE UPON EACH STROKE OF SAID STROKE IMPARTING ELEMENT. 